A Yale survey of both sexes found that women are definitely more wound up over over the Earth's distress.. Daniel Esty, director of the Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy, which conducted the survey, emphasizes that small adjustments make a big difference. "A few 'supergreens' will go through their homes and rip out every incandescent bulb," he says. "but for most people the right answer is, when the light burns out, put in a compact fluorescent. It's simple, it's cost-effective, and you're not wasting things before the end of their useful lives." And do what you can, he says, on big issues like getting greenhouse gas emissions down - for instance, biking or carpooling to work once a week. "The goal is to move from the neglectful end of the spectrum toward the purposeful end. As everyone takes a step in that direction, we'll all make a lot of progress." If the guilt starts to rise, Esty adds, just remind yourself: No one's perfect - including Al Gore. - Brooke Kosofsky Glassberg, May Issue 2008

Posted 06/02/08